By C1 Staff
RICHLAND COUNTY, SC — A former inmate who claims he was assaulted by a Richland County corrections officer won a $750,000 settlement with the county.
WLTX reports that Robert Sweeper III’s rights were violated during an incident in February of 2013. CO Robin Smith, who was fired after the incident according to the South Carolina Radio Network, was conducting a routine check of Sweeper’s cell when he suddenly twisted Sweeper’s wrist and arm before kicking him in the upper body.
Deputies say Sweeper refused to follow instructions before the beating, but Sweeper’s lawsuit claims Smith “badly beat Sweeper with no cause to do so.”
Sweeper was also restrained in handcuffs, according to WLTX. Prosecutors concluded that Sweeper posed no threat.
The South Carolina Radio Network reports that it took jail officials four days to get Sweeper medical attention for his injuries.
Sweeper says he will use the money to cover his medical bills.